The authority of microblogging and social networking service, Twitter has reacted following a suspension of it’s operation by Nigerian government.
Twitter on Friday expressed a “deep concern” over the federal government’s decision to suspend its operations in Nigeria.
DAILY GIST had earlier reported that the federal government announced the suspension of Twitter’s operations indefinitely in the country.
This was contained in a statement signed on Friday by the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed and made available to Journalists.
It wasn’t clear the exact time the ban however would be enforced, checks by DAILY GIST shows Nigerian users still have access to the platform as at the time of publishing this report.
Twitter in a response said; “The announcement made by the Nigerian Government that they have suspended Twitter’s operations in Nigeria is deeply concerning.
“We’re investigating and will provide updates when we know more.”
President Buhari had said those misbehaving by attacking police stations, prisons and offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission, especially in the South-East would be treated in the language they understand. The president had also said those plotting the downfall of his administration will soon get the shock of their lives.
”Many of those misbehaving today are too young to be aware of the destruction and loss of lives that occurred during the Nigerian Civil War. Those of us in the fields for 30 months, who went through the war, will treat them in the language they understand.”Buhari had tweeted.
There was however a massive outrage on Twitter as many users accused the president of threatening a section of the country.
They also asked Twitter to suspend the president account, whom they accused of bias. On Wednesday, Twitter pin-point one of the tweets, saying it violates its rules.
Reacting to the development on Wednesday, the Minister of Information and Culture accused Twitter of a double standard.Mohammed said the social media giant had conveniently ignored inciting tweets by Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and his cohorts.
He said Twitter ignored Kalu’s remarks that encouraged the killing of Police personnel and the show of similar biases during the ENDSARS protest where government and private properties were looted and set on fire, considering it human rights.
Mohammed, who wondered why the organisation now found President Buhari’s tweet offensive, said Twitter’s role is suspicious and Nigeria will not be fooled.
